Abstract: A tandem photovoltaic cell device. The device includes a lower cell configured for substantial independent operation of an upper cell. In a preferred embodiment, the lower cell has a lower glass substrate material and a lower electrode layer made of a reflective material overlying the glass material. The lower cell also has a lower absorber layer overlying the lower electrode layer. In a preferred embodiment, the absorber layer made of a first semiconductor material has a first band gap energy in a range of Eg=0.7 to 1.1 eV. The lower cell includes a lower window layer overlying the lower absorber layer, a lower transparent conductive oxide layer overlying the lower window layer, and a first optical coupling material comprising first ethylene vinyl acetate overlying the lower transparent conductive oxide layer. In a specific embodiment, the device also has the upper cell coupled to the lower cell.

Abstract: A sealed monolithic photo-electrochemical system (1) comprising an electrically insulating substrate (2), an electrically conducting pattern (3) including carrier areas (4) arranged to support working electrodes (12), contact portions (10) connected to counter electrodes (14), a first set of contact paths (5) connecting said carrier areas (4) with a first terminal (6), and a second set of contact paths (7) connecting said contact portions (10) with a second terminal (8), the system furthermore comprises an array of porous structures (111-112n) arranged on said substrate (2), where each porous structure (11) comprises a working electrode (12), an insulating layer (13) and a counter electrode (14), an electrolyte at least partially filled in said porous structures (111-112n) for forming a plurality of electrochemical cells and an encapsulation covering said array of porous structures (111-112n) and a method for manufacturing a sealed monolithic electrochemical system.

Abstract: A stretchable photovoltaic device, a stretchable photovoltaic module and a carrier for facilitating formation of a stretchable photovoltaic device and/or module are provided. The stretchable photovoltaic device includes a stretchable part, at least one photovoltaic cell and a surface over which that at least one photovoltaic cell is disposed. The stretchable part has a given length that is operable to change in response to a force being applied to the device. The given length may, for example, elongate when the force causes the device to elongate. Alternative and/or additionally, the given length may compress when the force causes the device to compress.

Abstract: A backside protection sheet for a solar cell module comprising a stacked material formed by successively stacking an alumina vapor deposited polyester film, a white polyester film and a polyester film in which 60% or more of tensile elongation is maintained in both a machine direction and a transverse direction of the film after the film is stored in high-pressure steam of 140° C. for 10 hours, wherein a shrinkage percentage of said backside protection sheet at a time of heat-treating at 150° C. for 30 minutes is 0.5% or less in both the machine direction and the transverse direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a solar cell. The method includes forming an impurity layer on a substrate of a first conductive type, the impurity layer having impurities of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type; forming a first emitter portion having a first impurity concentration in the substrate using the impurity layer by heating the substrate with the impurity layer; forming a second emitter portion having a second impurity concentration at the first emitter portion using the impurity layer by irradiating laser beams on a region of the impurity layer, the second impurity concentration being greater than the first impurity concentration; and forming a first electrode connected to the second emitter portion and a second electrode connected to the substrate.

Abstract: A multijunction solar cell including an upper first solar subcell having a first band gap; a second solar subcell adjacent to the first solar subcell and having a second band gap smaller than the first band gap; a graded interlayer adjacent to the second solar subcell; the first graded interlayer having a third band gap greater than the second band gap; and a third solar subcell adjacent to the graded interlayer, the third subcell having a fourth band gap smaller than the second band gap such that the third subcell is lattice mismatched with respect to the second subcell. A lower fourth solar subcell is provided adjacent to the third subcell and lattice matched thereto, the lower fourth subcell having a fifth band gap smaller than the fourth band gap.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a heterojunction solar cell. The solar cell includes a metallurgical-grade Si (MG-Si) substrate, a layer of heavily doped crystalline-Si situated above the MG-Si substrate, a layer of lightly doped crystalline-Si situated above the heavily doped crystalline-Si layer, a backside ohmic-contact layer situated on the backside of the MG-Si substrate, a passivation layer situated above the heavily doped crystalline-Si layer, a layer of heavily doped amorphous Si (a-Si) situated above the passivation layer, a layer of transparent-conducting-oxide (TCO) situated above the heavily doped a-Si layer, and a front ohmic-contact electrode situated above the TCO layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic assembly comprises a thin semiconductor lamina and a receiver element, where the receiver element serves as a superstrate in the completed device. The photovoltaic assembly includes a photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic cell is a back-contact cell; photocurrent passes into and out of the back surface of the cell, but does not pass through the light-facing surface. The lamina is typically substantially crystalline and has a thickness less than about 100 microns, in some embodiments 10 microns or less.

Abstract: Improved silicon solar cells, silicon image sensors and like photosensitive devices are made to include strained silicon at or sufficiently near the junctions or other active regions of the devices to provide increased sensitivity to longer wavelength light. Strained silicon has a lower band gap than conventional silicon. One method of making a solar cell that contains tensile strained silicon etches a set of parallel trenches into a silicon wafer and induces tensile strain in the silicon fins between the trenches. The method may induce tensile strain in the silicon fins by filling the trenches with compressively strained silicon nitride or silicon oxide. A deposited layer of compressively strained silicon nitride adheres to the walls of the trenches and generates biaxial tensile strain in the plane of adjacent silicon fins.

Abstract: A highly doped layer for interconnecting tunnel junctions in multijunction solar cells is presented. The highly doped layer is a delta doped layer in one or both layers of a tunnel diode junction used to connect two or more p-on-n or n-on-p solar cells in a multijunction solar cell. A delta doped layer is made by interrupting the epitaxial growth of one of the layers of the tunnel diode, depositing a delta dopant at a concentration substantially greater than the concentration used in growing the layer of the tunnel diode, and then continuing to epitaxially grow the remaining tunnel diode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel thin film photovoltaic device and a process of making. The device comprises an interface layer between the absorber layer and the electrode resulting in an improved back contact and improved device efficiency. The interface layer comprises a material comprising a Ma-(Group VIA)b compound, where M is a transition metal the Group VIA designates Te, Se and/or S.

Abstract: A method of forming a multijunction solar cell comprising an upper subcell, a middle subcell, and a lower subcell comprising providing a first substrate for the epitaxial growth of semiconductor material; forming a first solar subcell on said substrate having a first band gap; forming a second solar subcell over said first subcell having a second band gap smaller than said first band gap; and forming a grading interlayer over said second subcell having a third band gap larger than said second band gap forming a third solar subcell having a fourth band gap smaller than said second band gap such that said third subcell is lattice mismatched with respect to said second subcell.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell comprising providing a growth substrate; depositing on said growth substrate a sequence of layers of semiconductor material forming a solar cell; applying a coating layer over said sequence of layers; and removing the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A polycrystalline silicon solar cell and its manufacturing method are disclosed. The polycrystalline silicon solar cell in according with the present invention is formed by crystallizing amorphous silicon, in which a metal catalyst is used to lower crystallization temperature. The solar cell in according with the present invention is characterized by comprising a plurality of polycrystalline silicon layers, wherein at least one of the plurality of polycrystalline silicon layers contains a metal component.

Abstract: The short-circuit current of a photovoltaic device is improved by optimizing the transparent conductive layer. A photovoltaic device comprising a first transparent electrode layer, an electric power generation layer, a second transparent electrode layer and a back electrode layer on a substrate, wherein the film thickness of the second transparent electrode layer is not less than 80 nm and not more than 100 nm, and the light absorptance for the second transparent electrode layer in a wavelength region from not less than 600 nm to not more than 1,000 nm is not more than 1.5%. Also, a photovoltaic device wherein the film thickness of the second transparent electrode layer is not less than 80 nm and not more than 100 nm, and the reflectance for light reflected at the second transparent electrode layer and the back electrode layer is not less than 91% in the wavelength region from not less than 600 nm to not more than 1,000 nm.

Abstract: A substrate for a solar cell, containing a metal substrate and an anodic oxidation film provided on the metal substrate, wherein on a surface of the anodic oxidation film, pores in a diameter of 10 nm to 600 nm are formed; and a solar cell using the same.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprises a solar cell having a light receiving surface and a rear surface provided on the opposite side of the light receiving surface; a light-receiving-surface-side protection member disposed on the light-receiving-surface-side of the solar cell; a rear-surface-side protection member disposed on the rear-surface-side of the solar cell and having a metal layer sandwiched between a plurality of resin layers; and a output lead configured to draw electric power from the solar cell, wherein the rear-surface-side protection member has an opening portion formed by folding back a first area in the rear-surface-side protection member, one end portion of the output lead is electrically connected to the solar cell, and the other end portion of the output lead is drawn out from the opening portion.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy substrate having excellent insulating performance and withstand voltage characteristics and high strength at elevated temperatures, and a method of efficiently producing a flexible thin-film solar cell by a roll-to-roll process using the aluminum alloy substrate are provided. The substrate has an oxide film of more than 1 ?m to 30 ?m thickness having insulating properties on a surface of an aluminum alloy containing 2.0 to 7.0 wt % of magnesium, the balance being aluminum and inevitable impurities.

Abstract: A thin-film solar cell includes an optical conduction cylinder, a transparent electrically conducting layer evenly plated on an axially extending peripheral surface of the optical conduction cylinder, at least one middle reaction layer plated on a peripheral surface of the electrically conducting layer, and a reflective layer plated on a peripheral surface of the middle reaction layer. Thus, the reflective layer can reflect the sun light to prevent from permeation of the sun light so that the sun light is enveloped in the optical conduction cylinder completely and is reflected successively in the reflective layer until the solar energy is exhausted such that the thin-film solar cell can absorb the solar energy to the maximum extent to enhance the light enveloping effect largely and to enhance the generating efficiency of the thin-film solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides for, in different embodiments, improved contact layers or nucleation layers over which precursors and Group IBIIIAVIA compound thin films adhere well and form high quality layers with excellent micro-scale compositional uniformity. It also provides methods to form precursor stack layers, by wet deposition techniques such as electroplating, with large degree of freedom in terms of deposition sequence of different layers forming the stack.

Abstract: An electrode substrate for a photoelectric conversion element includes: current collecting wires; and a protective layer covering the current collecting wires, wherein the protective layer includes a first protective layer containing glass components and a second protective layer which is composed of an insulating resin layer and provided on the first protective layer.

Abstract: This invention comprises manufacture of photovoltaic cells by deposition of thin film photovoltaic junctions on metal foil substrates. The photovoltaic junctions may be heat treated if appropriate following deposition in a continuous fashion without deterioration of the metal support structure. In a separate operation, an interconnection substrate structure is provided, optionally in a continuous fashion. Multiple photovoltaic cells are then laminated to the interconnection substrate structure and conductive joining methods are employed to complete the array. In this way the interconnection substrate structure can be uniquely formulated from polymer-based materials employing optimal processing unique to polymeric materials. Furthermore, the photovoltaic junction and its metal foil support can be produced in bulk without the need to use the expensive and intricate material removal operations currently taught in the art to achieve series interconnections.

Abstract: An asymmetric waveguide layer which includes a metal film having an array of apertures defined in the metal film. The apertures extend from a first surface of the metal film to a second surface of the metal film. A plurality of photons have a wavelength of about X propagate through the asymmetric waveguide layer in one direction, and are substantially prevented from propagating in the other direction. An integrated solar cell is also described. First and second PV layers are disposed adjacent to and optically coupled to the asymmetric waveguide layer. A reflective layer is disposed adjacent to and optically coupled to the second PV layer second surface. Light passing through the asymmetric waveguide is substantially trapped within the second PV layer by a combination of reflection from the reflective layer and reflection by the asymmetric waveguide layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an encapsulating material for a solar cell, which is easy to prepare a solar cell module, and excellent in processability, insulating property, non-corrosion property, transparency, heat resistance, flexibility and the like, and a solar cell module prepared by using the same. The encapsulating material for a solar cell is one consisting of a cross-linkable resin composition (A) containing an ethylene-(meth)acrylic ester copolymer as a base polymer, an organic peroxide and a crosslinking aid wherein the decomposition temperature (temperature for a half-life period of one hour) of the organic peroxide is equal to or lower than 150° C., and total compounding amount of the organic peroxide and the crosslinking aid, is in a range of from 0.5 to 5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the base polymer, and compounding ratio of the organic peroxide and the crosslinking aid (organic peroxide/crosslinking aid) is in a range of from 1/5 to 1/0.1, in weight ratio.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet for sealing a rear surface of a solar cell in which degradation due to hydrolysis of the material constituting the solar cell is prevented, and the weather resistance is excellent such that electric output properties of the solar cell can be maintained not only under conditions of actual usage of the solar cell module but also conditions for evaluation under high temperatures and high moistures, and provides a sheet for sealing a rear surface of a solar cell comprising a laminate in which at least two substrates are laminated by an polyurethane-based adhesive, wherein the polyurethane-based adhesive comprises an adhesive having hydrolysis resistance which satisfies the following conditions: condition 1: the lamination strength of the adhesive is 1 N/15 mm or more after keeping the laminate in a chamber which acts as a highly accelerated stress test system under pressurized steam conditions of 105° C. and 1.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] The object of the present invention is to provide a solar cell sealing film having enhanced transparency. [Means for Solving Problem] A composition for a solar cell sealing film comprising ethylene-polar monomer copolymer, a crosslinker and a compound having an alkyleneoxy group. Thereby a solar cell sealing film having excellent all light beam transmittance and enhanced transparency can be formed.

Abstract: An optical element for use in a concentrating photovoltaic system for converting incident solar radiation to electrical energy. The optical element may include an entry aperture for receiving light beams from a primary focusing element, and an exit aperture for transmitting light beams to a solar cell. The optical element may also include an intermediate section whereby at least some of the light beams reflect off the intermediate section and are transmitted to the solar cell. This region may be composed of a layered structure with a first material layer having a first optical characteristic, and a second material layer having a second optical characteristic. The material composition and thickness of the layers may be adapted so that the reflectivity of the light beams off the surfaces and transmitted to the solar cell optimizes the aggregate irradiance on the surface of the solar cell over the incident solar spectrum.

Abstract: A concentrated solar power module including a lens, a light shield plate, a solar-powered electricity generator, and a heat-dissipating element is provided. The lens allows sunlight to be focused to a specific area and is coated with a self-cleaning material. The light shield plate is provided beneath the lens and formed with an opening for selectively admitting the sunlight focused. The solar-powered electricity generator is formed beneath the opening for receiving the sunlight penetrating the opening. The solar-powered electricity generator includes a solar cell and a secondary light transmissive member coated with a self-cleaning material and configured to hermetically seal the solar cell. The heat-dissipating element is mounted on the solar-powered electricity generator to dissipate heat generated by the solar-powered electricity generator.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a negative electrode structure 20 and an opposing electrode structure 21 having a transparent conducting substrate, the negative electrode structure 20 having a metal substrate 25 and an semiconductor oxide layer 29 formed on the metal substrate 25 and carrying a dye 30. A chemical conversion treatment film 27 is formed on the surface of the metal substrate 25, and the semiconductor oxide layer 29 is formed on the chemical conversion treatment film 27. The solar cell generates electricity upon being irradiated with light from the side of an electrode opposing the negative electrode structure 20, prevents a decrease in the curvature factor (FF) caused by an increase in the size of the cell and a decrease in the conversion efficiency, features excellent durability, maintains a stable conversion efficiency over extended periods of time and improves the problem of rectification barrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrolytes comprising tetracyanoborate and an organic cation as components of electrolytes in electrochemical and/or optoelectronic devices, in particular solar cells. This ionic liquid has low viscosity and can be used as electrolyte in the absence of a solvent. Importantly, the ionic liquid remains stable in solar cells even after prolonged thermal stress at 80° C. for 1000 hours. Photovoltaic conversion efficiency remained stable and keeping more than 90% of the initial value.

Abstract: A solar cell is provided as one capable of increasing the open voltage when compared with the conventional solar cells. A solar cell according to the present invention has a p-type semiconductor layer containing a group Ib element, a group IIIb element, and a group VIb element, and an n-type semiconductor layer containing a group Ib element, a group IIIb element, a group VIb element, and Zn and formed on the p-type semiconductor layer. A content of the group Ib element in the n-type semiconductor layer is from 15 to 21 at. % to the total number of atoms of the group Ib element, the group IIIb element, the group VIb element, and Zn in the n-type semiconductor layer, and a content of Zn in the n-type semiconductor layer is from 0.005 to 1.0 at. % to the total number of atoms of the group Ib element, the group IIIb element, the group VIb element, and Zn in the n-type semiconductor layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for actively manipulating fluid flow over a surface using synthetic pulsators. Synthetic pulsators produce pulsed jet operable to manipulate the primary fluid flow proximate to the synthetic pulsator. The synthetic pulsator includes a synthetic jet actuator(s) located within an ambient pressure chamber, wherein the synthetic jet actuator is operable to produce an oscillatory flow. The oscillatory flow of the synthetic jet(s) produces the pulsed jet operable to manipulate the primary fluid flow. These synthetic pulsators may then be actively manipulated to control the flow behavior of the ducted fluid flow, influence the inception point and trajectory of flow field vortices within the fluid flow, and reduce flow separation within the primary fluid flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for the cleaning and/or disinfection of evaporative and/or convective cooling structures. The apparatus comprises means for drawing off predetermined volumes of one or more chemicals (optionally diluted with water) and pumping them into a corresponding number of dilution manifolds. Fluid-flow control means such as flow meters, non-return valves and control valves are employed to ensure that correct predetermined ratios/volumes of each fluid are drawn into the respective dilution manifolds, and to prevent undesired backflow of chemicals. The diluted or undiluted chemical agents then flow into a mixing manifold where they are mixed with other diluted or undiluted chemicals from one or more other dilution manifolds. The mixed chemicals are then delivered by means of an air gun or spray nozzle to clean packing material or other cooling structure components in situ within a cooling tower.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control pressure in a fluid delivery system utilizes a variable-pressure regulating means and a flow-controlled selecting means to provide a higher pressure when the flow in the system is higher, and to provide a lower pressure when the flow in the system is lower. It exploits an inherent signal that is generated and transmitted by the fluid, and which enables remote control of the pressure. Useful, for example, to provide pressure control for a garden hose fitted with a closeable nozzle, wherein full pressure is provided through the hose when the nozzle is open, lower pressure is maintained when the nozzle is closed, and the operator controls pressure in the hose from the fluid delivery end of the hose, protecting the hose from bulging or splitting, making the hose easier to handle, and conserving water. Other applications include protecting washing machine supply hoses from bursting and flooding; and pressure control of fire sprinkler, compressed gas, and pneumatic control systems.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus and processes for increasing fluidity of a flowing fluid. The apparatus may have a number of treatment chambers adapted to receive and pass the flowing fluid. In each treatment chamber a field is applied to the fluid. The fields may be parallel to the fluid's direction of flow, and may alternate in sequence. The fluidity of the fluid is increased through exposure to the fields.

Abstract: A fluid coupler arrangement for a first pressurized fluid circuit is disclosed. The fluid coupler arrangement has an extendable fluid coupler. The fluid coupler arrangement also has a receiving fluid coupler, to be coupled to the extendable coupler, so that in a coupled condition of the couplers the first pressurized fluid circuit extends through the couplers. The fluid coupler arrangement also has fluid channels that extend through the couplers. The extendable coupler has a static portion and a piston that is extendable with respect to the static portion. The extendable coupler has a compensatory surface being fixedly connected to the static portion. The compensatory surface has a deviation with respect to the wall of the fluid channel of the extendable coupler, to at least partially retain the piston in an extended position when fluid flows through the couplers.

Abstract: A pig launcher or receiver device is designed for connection in-line in a fluid pipeline. The device has a housing (10) with a fluid flow passage therethrough and ends for connection to the pipeline. A pair of spaced rotary ball valves (19, 20) is disposed in said housing (10) for isolating an inner section (17) of the flow passage between the valves. Each ball valve having a port (26) therethrough and is rotatable between an open position in which the port is m fluid communication with the flow passage and a closed position in which it blocks the flow passage. An access passage (15) in the housing is connected to the inner section (17) of the flow passage between the ball valves and has an opening through which a pig can be inserted into, or removed from, said inner section of the flow passage by using a pig trap cartridge (22). The device is compact, safe and simple to use.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of plugging a pipeline having an exterior surface including the steps of affixing to the exterior of the pipeline first and second spaced apart collars, welding each collar to the pipeline so that an operating space is provided between the collars, positioning a seal with each collar, affixing a containment housing to the opposed collars providing a confined space around the pipeline and surrounding the operating space between the collars, the confined space being accessed by a passageway, cutting and removing a length of pipeline between the collars providing opposed pipeline exterior end surfaces, positioning first and second seal cups between the collars, each seal cup having a forwardly extending circumferential lip of internal diameter greater than the external diameter of the pipeline, and applying force to move the seal cups away from each other, the circumferential lips of the seal cups engaging with the opposed seals to compress them into sealing engagement with the

Abstract: A gas pressure regulator is provided that includes a body defining a front portion and opposed side portions. A first gas pressure indicator is mounted to a lower end of the front portion of the body, and a second gas pressure indicator mounted to an upper end of the front portion of the body, wherein the first gas pressure indicator and the second gas pressure indicator are stacked in a vertical configuration. Additionally, a pressure adjustment knob is mounted to one of the side portions of the body in one form of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an inflatable apparatus is provided. In an embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a top surface. The apparatus also includes a bottom surface connected to the top surface in a substantially airtight manner. The top surface and the bottom surface collectively define a substantially airtight chamber. The substantially airtight chamber generally has an exterior shape of a star. An internal wall extending from the top surface to the bottom surface is also provided. The internal wall is attached to the top surface and to the bottom surface in a substantially airtight manner. The internal wall, top surface and bottom surface collectively define a void. The void is contained within the bounds of the airtight chamber, the top surface and the bottom surface. The exterior shape of the apparatus includes a central portion and a plurality of lobes. The central portion includes the void. Each lobe of the plurality of lobes extends radially from the central portion.

Abstract: A hydrant is provided that employs a pipe interconnected to a faucet assembly. The pipe is constructed of a material that is resistant to detrimental affects of corrosion and pitting. Corrosion and pitting of pipes made of copper, as opposed to the plastic material employed, tends to erode a portion of the outlet pipe circumferentially such that if the pipe is later exposed to expansive effects of ice, the pipe could burst, thereby causing damage to the dwelling.

Abstract: A floating ball valve has a metal multiple component seat installed in the seat pocket. The multiple component seat further includes a support ring and at least one seal element. The support ring and the seal element are juxtaposed and both are adjacent to the ball when the floating ball valve is in a closed position. The support ring is in a overlapping complimentary position with respect to the seal element, the seal element having greater elasticity than the support ring and the support ring having a greater load bearing strength than the seal element.

Abstract: A fluidic device unit structure in which a plurality of fluidic devices are integrated and which is effective in reducing a footprint is provided. With a fluidic device unit structure in which a plurality of fluid devices that are connected via channels are integrated in a base member, the base member includes a plurality of mounting surfaces on which the fluidic devices are mounted and inclined channels for connecting the mounting surfaces in the interior of the base member.

Abstract: A system for determining a fluid level in a pressurizable container comprising is disclosed. The system includes a service valve having a set of wrench flats defining parallel flat surfaces, one of the wrench flats having a recess defined entirely within its flat surface, a stop-fill device interconnected with the service valve and operable to rotate a first magnet inside the service valve in proximity to the recess in proportion to the amount of fluid in the pressurizable container, and a dial assembly having a dial face and a pointer attached to a second magnet, the second magnet housed in a magnet protrusion on a side of the dial face opposite the pointer and operable to fit into the recess in the service valve such that the dial moves on the dial face proportionately to the degree of rotation of the first magnet inside the service valve.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a superior mass flow meter or the like that can flexibly cope with a change of a sample fluid such as a gas kind without requiring a special troublesome labor and that can measure a flow rate with high accuracy. The mass flow meter comprises a sensor section that detects a flow rate of a sample fluid flowing in a flow channel, a setting section that sets a flow rate characteristic function that is intrinsic to each fluid to determine a flow rate based on a flow rate detected value output by the sensor section and an instrumental error correction parameter that is independent from the flow rate characteristic function and common to multiple sample fluids to correct an instrumental error of each mass flow meter, and a flow rate calculating section that calculates a flow rate measurement value of the sample fluid by applying the flow rate characteristic function and the instrumental error correction parameter to the flow rate detected value.

Abstract: Fuel systems and methods for controlling fuel systems in a vehicle with multiple fuel tanks are provided. An exemplary vehicle fuel system includes a first fuel tank including a first pressure sensor, and a second fuel tank. The system may further include a fuel tank isolation valve positioned to selectively decouple the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank. The system may further include an electronic controller configured to identify which of the first fuel tank and second fuel tank includes a fuel system leak by selectively decoupling the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank via the fuel tank isolation valve, responsive to an identification of the fuel system leak.

Abstract: In a mass flow controller verifying system, there are provided a verifying gas line arranged in parallel to influent flow gas lines and joined into a post-confluent flow gas line, a reference volume calculating portion adapted to calculate a reference volume determined for a specified piping of a gas piping system, a verifying parameter calculating portion adapted to calculate a verifying parameter based on time series data of a measurement pressure measured by a pressure measurement unit during a control of a flow rate by a mass flow controller to be verified, and a comparing portion adapted to compare a reference parameter set based on the reference volume and the verifying parameter, whereby the verifying system can be introduced into an existing gas piping system used in a semiconductor manufacturing process and so forth at a low cost and is capable of verifying a mass flow controller quickly and accurately.

Abstract: A gas pressure regulator for use with a gas delivery system is provided. The gas delivery system defines an outer profile, and the gas pressure regulator comprises a plurality of elements arranged such that a substantial portion of the elements of the gas pressure regulator are disposed within the profile of the gas delivery system to reduce a number of impact locations on the gas pressure regulator should the gas delivery system be mishandled during use.

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus of an automatic transmission having engagement pressure solenoid valves configured to regulate an engagement pressure supplied to a hydraulic servo of a frictional engagement element and to output the engagement pressures from a predetermined number of the engagement pressure solenoid valves to establish respective transmission gear speeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve apparatus for setting and monitoring the clamping pressure of a clamping device (9) for workpieces which are to be clamped, in particular in lathes, having at least one pressure control valve (1A, 1B), via which the clamping pressure is set for the clamping device (9), and having at least one pressure sensor (6A, 6B) which detects the respective clamping pressure of the clamping device (9), which clamping pressure is to he adjusted in relation to a predefinable setpoint clamping pressure. It is possible by way of the valve apparatus to this effect to set the clamping pressure which is relevant in terms of safety, and also to monitor it, in particular to maintain or reduce it, during the machining in the sense of an adjustment.